Waitakere Resort & Spa

Auckland -36.92305100, 174.56367700 , 573 Scenic Drive, Waiatarua, West Auckland (Show on Map)
7.8
Good


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Summary of reviewsWaitakere Resort & Spa offers a highly praised experience for those seeking a serene and picturesque retreat nestled in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges. The location is a standout feature, providing breathtaking views over Auckland City and lush native bushland, creating an idyllic backdrop for a peaceful getaway. The resort’s remote yet accessible setting offers a perfect balance of nature and proximity to city attractions, further enhanced by stunning gardens and a tranquil ambiance. The journey to the resort, though challenging due to winding roads, rewards guests with spectacular vistas and a warm welcome from the friendly and helpful staff, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Guests commend the resort's breakfast experience, which features a wide selection of delicious, high-quality options served with generous portions. The breakfast setting, boasting serene views of the rainforest and the distant Skytower, adds to the overall enjoyment. The exceptional service by the breakfast staff, accommodating specific dietary needs, consistently receives high praise.

Dinner at the resort is perceived positively for its good to exceptional food quality with specific dishes like prawn entrees, lamb chops and desserts like crème brûlée singled out for praise. The dining environment benefits from lovely views and great service, enhancing the overall dining experience. Despite some issues with portion sizes, prices and limited vegetarian options, the restaurant remains a commendable feature.

Regarding accommodations, the resort offers a range of rooms that vary from spacious and modern in the newer sections to some older parts needing upgrades. While praised for cleanliness, comfort and stunning views, occasional mentions of musty odors and worn-out furniture in older rooms are noted. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains positive due to the serene setting and room comfort.

Cleanliness at the resort receives mixed feedback. While many find the rooms and gardens well-maintained and commendably clean, others highlight areas needing improvement, such as dusty fans, dirty windows and occasional maintenance issues in older areas of the property.

The resort staff are largely celebrated for their friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming demeanor, contributing significantly to guests’ positive experiences. Despite a few mentions of inconsistent service, the majority of the feedback underscores the staff's dedication and professionalism as key components of a welcoming atmosphere.

Free WiFi is available, though its reliability varies. Some guests report good connectivity, while others experience slow speeds and disconnections, suggesting an area ripe for improvement.

The spa services are generally well-regarded with many guests enjoying relaxing massages and treatments. There are, however, frequent booking availability issues and some critical feedback points include incidences of bugs and organizational lapses, though the overall sentiment remains favorable.

The gym receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it adequately functional, while others see it as outdated and poorly equipped. Enhancements here could improve guest satisfaction.

The outdoor pool is appreciated for its refreshing qualities and beautiful views, though guests frequently cite maintenance issues, water temperature and accessibility as areas needing attention. A heated pool could significantly boost guest satisfaction, especially during colder periods.

Parking at the resort is another mixed aspect. The limited and tight spaces pose challenges for some guests, but once a spot is secured, the convenience of close proximity to rooms is appreciated. Staff assistance during parking further mitigates some difficulties.

Lastly, the comfort of the beds stands out as a particularly positive note with many guests describing them as very comfortable and luxurious, adding to the overall restful experience.

In summary, Waitakere Resort & Spa excels in providing a serene, nature-immersed retreat with excellent service and comfort, complemented by beautiful surroundings and scenic views, though there are areas such as maintenance, dining variety and facility updates that could benefit from further improvement.
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Categories
Boutique-style Hotel

Hotel near Golf Courses

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hotel with Spa

Romantic Hotel

Hotel with Swimming Pool

  Outdoor Pool  


Hotel with Parking

Hotel with Gym

4-Star Hotel

Hotel with Outdoor Pool

Room Types
Deluxe Room The Deluxe Rooms are modern and spacious, and feature a Juliet balcony where you can enjoy stunning views over the rainforest, harbour, and city. Included is a 32-inch LCD TV with DVD and CD player, bathroom with monsoon shower head, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, self-controlled heating, a mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Free WiFi is also included. Rooms are serviced daily. Maximum occupancy is 2. There is no capacity for additional guests.

Loft Room These Loft Rooms feature stunning views of the native rainforest and city. Included is 1 bedroom, an en suite bathroom with bath and shower, a 32-inch LCD TV, self-controlled heating, a mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Free WiFi is also included. Rooms are serviced daily. Please note that this room is accessed via steep stairs which may not be suitable for all guests. Maximum occupancy is 2. There is no capacity for additional guests.

Luxury Gate Villa The Luxury Gate Villa is situated on the hotel grounds overlooking the gardens, just a short walk from the main hotel. The Villa offers a full kitchenette and an extensive deck with magnificent views over the rainforest to Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf beyond. It features 2 Bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms with monsoon shower head, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, a 32-inch LCD TV with DVD and CD player, self-controlled heating and a dining and lounge area. Also included is free WiFi. Rooms are serviced daily. Please note there is no capacity for additional guests.

Garden Spa Apartment The spacious Garden Spa Apartment sits adjacent to the main hotel and features a generous corner spa bath. It is fully equipped with a lounge, dining area, and kitchenette. The floor to ceiling windows in the lounge offer limited views of the stunning native rainforest and bush. It includes 1 bedroom, a 32” LCD TV with DVD and CD player, bathroom with shower, spa bath, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, self-controlled heating, a dining and lounge area. Free WiFi is included. Rooms are serviced daily. Please note 2 additional roll-away beds are available for an additional NZD $35, per bed, per night. The large-king sized bed can be converted into 2 king-single beds (where required). You can request your preferred bedding configuration in the Special Requests Box at the time of booking.

Garden Spa View Apartment The self-contained Garden Spa View apartment features floor to ceiling windows that offer spectacular views over the rainforest on to the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and the Auckland skyline. The spacious apartment is fully equipped with a lounge, dining area and luxurious spa bath. It features 1 bedroom, a 42 inch LCD TV in the lounge area, a 32 inch LCD TV in the bedroom, a bathroom with shower, spa bath, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, self-controlled heating and a kitchenette, with full fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and oven., Also included is a dining and lounge area and free WiFi. Rooms are serviced daily. The large king-sized bed can be converted into 2 large king-single beds. Please note 1 additional roll-away bed is available for an additional NZD $35, per night.

Two-Bedroom Apartment with City View The Garden Apartment offers luxury accommodation within the hotel and features views overlooking the gardens to the city and Hauraki Gulf beyond. It includes 2 bedrooms, an outdoor patio, 2 en suite bathrooms with monsoon shower head, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, 3 42-inch flat screen TV's in the lounge and each bedroom, DVD and CD player, self-controlled heating, a mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Free WiFi is included. Rooms are serviced daily. The large king-sized beds can be converted into 2 large king-single beds.

Premier Room This spacious room features a Juliet balcony with views over the rainforest to the city. There is a plush super-king bed or 2 single beds. The air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, telephone and safety deposit box. There is also a refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. Only few rooms come with a bath and can be subject to availability.

Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges, Waitakere Resort & Spa is celebrated for its spectacular location, offering breathtaking views over Auckland City and the lush surrounding forest. This beautiful, secluded spot provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests repeatedly highlight the resort’s exceptional scenery, set among vast native bushland, which creates an idyllic backdrop for their stay.

The resort’s high vantage point in the mountain ranges not only provides magnificent views but also allows visitors to feel immersed in nature while still being conveniently close to Auckland’s central business district. The scenery is complimented by the stunning gardens and tranquil ambiance that make the setting even more picturesque.

Perfect for nature lovers, the location is described as remote yet accessible, offering a unique experience that combines the serenity of the rainforest with easy access to nearby attractions such as Piha Beach and Karekare Falls. The resort’s proximity to scenic walking trails and beaches adds an extra layer of appeal for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.

While some reviews mention the winding roads leading to the resort, which can be a bit challenging, the payoff is well worth it. Guests are greeted with spectacular vistas from their rooms and the restaurant, making the journey worthwhile. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the experience, ensuring a warm and comfortable stay in this hidden gem.

Overall, Waitakere Resort & Spa stands out as an amazing location for stunning views and peaceful surroundings, offering a perfect retreat into nature without straying too far from the city.

Breakfast
Waitakere Resort & Spa offers an exceptional breakfast experience that earns high praise from guests. They enjoy a wide selection of well-prepared, delicious and high-quality breakfast options. The meals are often included in the room rate, providing great value and many guests note the generous portions and tasty dishes like eggs bennie. The breakfast setting, boasting breathtaking views of the rainforest and the distant Skytower, adds to the overall dining experience.

Moreover, the friendly and attentive breakfast staff contribute positively to the service with particular recognition given to their efforts to accommodate specific dietary needs. However, it's worth noting that some guests have pointed out occasional slow service and limited coffee options. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment remains positive with many considering it one of the best breakfast experiences during their stay at the resort.

Dinner
Waitakere Resort & Spa offers a mixed dining experience. The overwhelming consensus among guests is that the food ranges from good to exceptional with many highlighting specific dishes such as the prawn entree, corn-fed chicken thigh, pan-seared duck breast, lamb chops and steak as particularly delicious. Desserts like creme brulee also received praise for their generous and tasty portions.

The restaurant itself is frequently described as excellent with great service and an atmosphere that benefits from lovely views, especially when dining on the deck. Breakfast offerings are also well-regarded, adding to the positive dining experiences reported by guests.

However, the dining experience is not without its drawbacks. Many guests mentioned that the portion sizes can be small and the dishes tend towards the expensive side, sometimes feeling the cost does not adequately reflect the quality received. Additionally, the menu options are limited and vegetarian choices are notably lacking. Service issues such as food arriving late, being cold or the restaurant closing earlier than expected were also raised.

Overall, while the quality of the food and the dining environment at Waitakere Resort & Spa is often commendable, potential diners should be aware of the higher prices, smaller portions and limited menu options.

Rooms
Waitakere Resort & Spa offers a diverse range of rooms that generally evoke positive feedback from guests. Many reviews highlight the spaciousness and comfort of the accommodations with several rooms described as large and beautifully appointed. Guests often mention the stunning views, particularly from rooms with balconies and those offering breathtaking vistas over Auckland and the surrounding bush.

Cleanliness and modernity are frequently noted, especially in the newer sections of the resort where rooms are described as clean, well-maintained and equipped with modern amenities. The Premier Suites, in particular, are praised for being superb, spacious and providing excellent comfort.

Despite these positives, there are occasional mentions of dated decor and the need for upgrades in some of the older rooms. Issues such as musty odors, worn-out furniture and lack of air conditioning in certain rooms do come up in some reviews. However, these concerns are often offset by the overall comfort and the beautiful, serene setting of the resort.

In summary, while there are areas for improvement, Waitakere Resort & Spa largely delivers on providing comfortable, spacious rooms with amazing views and good facilities, especially in the more recently updated parts of the property.

Beds
Guests at Waitakere Resort & Spa frequently highlight the comfort of the beds, often describing them as super comfy, very comfortable and even luxurious. The beds are noted to be clean and many find the large sizes particularly appealing. Some guests rave about experiencing their best sleep during their stay, attributing it to the quality of the beds, which some liken to sleeping on clouds.

However, there are a few negative remarks indicating that not everyone finds the beds comfortable. Some mention that the beds were a bit too soft or bouncy for their liking and others experienced issues like an uncomfortable mattress or musty decor. Additionally, a lack of electric blankets and extra duvets seems to be a minor inconvenience for some.

Overall, the positive feedback about the comfortable and spacious beds significantly outweighs the occasional complaints, suggesting that most guests enjoy a restful stay.

Cleanliness
Waitakere Resort & Spa presents a mixed bag in terms of cleanliness with a range of reviews highlighting both commendable and concerning aspects. On the positive side, guests have described rooms as very clean, tidy and well-kept. Several visitors found the cleanliness in rooms to be very satisfactory, praising the spotless and super clean conditions they encountered. The resort's lush gardens also received positive feedback for their well-maintained appearance.

However, numerous reviews indicate areas needing significant improvement. Common complaints included dusty fans, dirty windows, cobwebs and musty odors, particularly in the bathrooms. Some guests were dissatisfied with the general upkeep, pointing out stains, mold and leftover items from previous occupants. Public spaces like the pool and dining areas were also criticized for their lack of cleanliness with specific mentions of dirty pools and unclean glasses at breakfast.

There were also mentions of the property's older sections feeling dated and in urgent need of renovation. Instances of older linen, torn curtains and broken fixtures added to the negative experience for some guests. Overall, while some guests enjoyed a clean and comfortable stay, there is a clear indication that the resort could benefit from a more thorough and consistent approach to cleaning and maintenance to meet all visitors' expectations.

Staff
The staff at Waitakere Resort & Spa are predominantly described as friendly, helpful and accommodating. Guests frequently commend the team for being attentive and providing excellent service. Specific staff members like Dee, Duncan and others are highlighted for their professional and welcoming demeanor with Duncan and his team receiving multiple mentions for their outstanding hospitality.

The restaurant staff and chefs are noted for their exceptional service with guests appreciating their attentiveness and the quality of meal services. The reception staff, including Bex, are praised for their friendliness and efficiency, contributing to positive check-in experiences.

However, there are mentions of inconsistencies with a few reviews indicating some staff members were either unfriendly or lacked knowledge about certain queries. There are also comments about slow service and occasional instances where staff appeared stressed or disengaged.

Overall, the majority of the feedback is highly positive, reinforcing the reputation of the resort's staff as a key component of the enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere that guests experience during their stay. Despite a few areas for improvement, the dedication and friendliness of the staff are clearly standout features at Waitakere Resort & Spa.

Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at Waitakere Resort & Spa is mixed. Guests appreciate the offering of free WiFi with some noting a good or decent connection in their rooms. However, others pointed out that the WiFi could benefit from an upgrade, as they experienced issues like slow speeds and disconnections. Additionally, some visitors felt the lack of modern streaming options like Netflix was a drawback with only free-to-air TV available. Despite these limitations, the connection meant basic internet needs were still met for many.

Spa
The spa at Waitakere Resort & Spa received mixed reviews with many guests praising the pleasant and relaxing experiences they had during their visits. The spa services, including massages, were generally described as incredibly relaxing and satisfactory, thanks to the skillful and friendly massage staff. Guests highlighted the lovely spa baths and unique sauna, appreciating the comfort and relaxation they provided. Several visitors found the spa worth every cent and expressed a desire to return to try the facilities again.

However, there were also notable shortcomings. Some guests found the spa fully booked upon arrival, indicating potential issues with booking availability and organization. On several occasions, the spa was closed or out of action, leading to disappointment. A few guests mentioned the presence of bugs in the spa and the lack of shampoo, contributing to their unsatisfactory experiences. Additionally, the spa manager's tardiness and the need for better organization were points of criticism. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment towards the spa remained positive with many looking forward to future visits to enjoy its offerings.

Gym
The gym facilities at Waitakere Resort & Spa receive mixed feedback from guests. While some describe the gym as sparse and outdated with minimal and poorly-equipped facilities, others have highlighted that the gym, despite its limitations, was great and very good. These contrasting opinions suggest that while the gym may lack comprehensive and modern equipment, it serves its purpose for some visitors. Improvements in availability and quality of workout gear could enhance the overall experience for fitness enthusiasts.

Pool
At the Waitakere Resort & Spa, guests have mixed feelings about the outdoor swimming pool. Many appreciate the pool for its refreshing qualities and stunning views, describing it as fantastic, beautiful and lovely, perfect for cooling off. The pool area is often mentioned as an enjoyable aspect of the resort, complemented by the natural surroundings.

However, there are consistent remarks about maintenance issues. Some guests found the pool to be dirty or not well-maintained at times with water quality concerns and the presence of the pool cleaner machine being noted. Accessibility is another point of contention, as the pool is described as difficult to reach and some guests found the journey to it long and uneasy.

The pool's temperature also seems to be a drawback with several reviews noting that it was super cold or freezing, which deterred some visitors from swimming, especially since the pool is unheated. There are suggestions that a heated pool would enhance the experience, particularly during colder days.

Overall, while the pool itself is visually appealing and offers a pleasant environment for those looking to relax, improvements in cleanliness, maintenance and heating would significantly boost guest satisfaction. Longer operating hours, especially in summer, could also enhance the overall experience.

Parking
While 'Waitakere Resort & Spa' offers scenic views and luxurious amenities, parking appears to be a mixed experience. Many guests highlight that parking is limited and that the spaces can be tight and difficult to navigate. The approach to the hotel through a narrow driveway also adds to the challenge, especially for larger vehicles or those unfamiliar with the area. Some visitors noted that directions to the property can be tricky, complicating the parking situation further.

Despite these issues, a few positive aspects were mentioned. Some guests appreciated that parking was close to their rooms, making it convenient once a spot was secured. Additionally, there are some allocated parking spaces and in some cases, the parking spots were considered fantastic by those who managed to find them. Guests also commended the staff's efforts to assist with parking, even in tight conditions.

Overall, while the parking situation may be less than ideal for some, it has not detracted entirely from the enjoyment of the resort’s other features.

Outdoor Pool
Waitakere Resort & Spa features a large outdoor pool that many guests found well-maintained and inviting. The setting around the pool is often described as lovely with some mentioning stunning views that add to the overall ambiance. Guests appreciated the cleanliness and the nice, big size of the pool. However, it's worth noting that the pool is unheated, which made it too cold for some. Despite this, many visitors enjoyed their time around the beautiful and fantastic outdoor pool. The resort also offers hot tubs and spa baths, which guests found satisfactory.

Boutique-Style
The Waitakere Resort & Spa is a distinct boutique retreat offering a unique vintage style and charming atmosphere. Despite some comments on dated decor, the personalized boutique ambiance and cool retro vibe create a comfortable experience. Nestled in nature, the resort's exclusive and historic charm stands out, making it a special and noteworthy destination for travelers seeking a unique and intimate stay.

Romantic
Waitakere Resort & Spa offers an idyllic setting for a romantic retreat. It's a perfect destination for couples looking to unwind and spend quality time together. Many guests highlight the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to wind down after a hectic week. The stunning views over Auckland and the cozy fireplace in the lounge enhance the romantic ambiance. The resort excels in creating a romantic setup with its quirky, yet charming lounge bar and carefully designed romantic rooms, some offering fantastic views.

Guest experiences range from special occasions like a 50th wedding anniversary to simple, intimate getaways. The resort's romantic appeal is evident in every aspect, from the tranquil surroundings to the thoughtful touches like ordering a bottle of Prosecco for a special moment. Whether it's a romantic drive through scenic landscapes or just enjoying the serene, quiet environment, the resort provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable couples' retreat.


Yes, Waitakere Resort & Spa has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

Yes, a spa is available at Waitakere Resort & Spa.

No, Waitakere Resort & Spa doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Waitakere Resort & Spa.

Yes, Waitakere Resort & Spa has a gym.

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